Fire risk downgraded

Open fires still banned as forest could dry out quickly

The weather may have taken a turn for the worse, but there is
still a moderate risk of fire throughout the Pemberton, Squamish and Whistler
region.

“Currently, we have some rain, we are looking at having showers
on the weekend, so with that the fire danger rating is expecting to go down a
bit,” said Nicole MacLellan, fire information officers for the Coastal Fire
Centre.

MacLellan cautioned that despite the damp weather and light
showers, which began Tuesday morning, that doesn’t eliminate the danger of
forest fire.

“The forest floor will start drying out as soon as the sun
comes out.”

A ban instated on July 9
th
remains in place,
prohibiting open fires less than two metres wide and three metres tall.
Campfires are permitted.

MacLellan defines a campfire as a small, controlled cooking
fire that is contained in a safe, established fire pit.

If anyone notices an unattended campfire or signs of a
wildfire, they should call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.
To check for updates to fire bans, visit
www.bcwildfire.ca
.